Julio Cesar Strassera, who won convictions against Argentine dictators, dies at 81

FILE - In this Jan. 11, 2015 file photo, Argentina's former judge Julio Cesar Strassera, left, speaks with France's ambassador to Argentina, Jean-Michel Casa, during a demonstration in solidarity with the victims of an attack in Paris, outside France's embassy in Buenos Aires, Argentina. Strassera, prosecutor in the trial that saw the conviction of Argentina's military dictatorship leaders, died in Buenos Aires on Friday, Feb. 27, 2015. He was 81. Strassera died in the clinic San Camilo de Buenos Aires where he had been admitted for a respiratory illness. (AP Photo/Rodrigo Abd, File)
(The Associated Press)

BUENOS AIRES – Julio Cesar Strassera, the lead prosecutor who won conviction against leaders of Argentina's military dictatorship, has died at 81.

Strassera died Friday in the San Camilo Clinic in Buenos Aires after being admitted several days ago for grave respiratory problems, Mario Kenar, the clinic's chief therapist, told television station Todo Noticias.

Strassera is most remembered for his role in the 1985 trial and convictions of numerous military leaders responsible for the repression and disappearance of several thousand people during their time in power.